The periodicity of primary increment formation in the otoliths of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (L.)

Abstract

The role of environmental factors in the regulation of sub‐annual increment formation in fish otoliths appears to differ markedly between species. To examine the periodicity of primary increment formation in the otoliths of O + Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), and the effects of temperature, and photoperiod on their formation, fish were held under controlled environmental conditions. Primary growth increments were found in the otoliths of fish held at constant temperature (18° C) and at ambient temperature [fluctuating with a circadian and circannual rhythm (4–18° C)]. Consistent and significant disruptions in increment formation occurred however, in experimental groups subjected to rapid change from ambient photoperiod to a 6L: 6D photo‐period for 96 h. Disruptions in increment formation were also observed immediately following transportation of fish between holding facilities and following disease treatment. The number of otolith increments formed in fish held on an ambient photoperiod regime, correlated closely with time elapsed in days since checkmark formation (r= 0.989, P≤0.001) in fish sampled sequentially over a period of 10 to 105 days. Thus we demonstrate that under conditions of ambient photoperiod, primary increments are formed daily.